They joined contemporary performers from No Fit State Circus for On with the Show, to highlight major changes about to hit the airwaves.

Currently programmes in Welsh on S4C are interspersed with English-language shows from Channel 4.

After digital switchover, which starts in North Wales in August, S4C will be entirely in Welsh and all Channel 4 content will be broadcast separately.

To advise viewers how to receive S4C after switchover, the channel is staging an extensive information campaign in all parts of the country over the coming months.

This includes a grass-roots roadshow to inform local communities of the changes and advise people on what they must do to continue receiving Welsh language TV.

Local circus skills workshops have been built into the campaign to attract viewers of all ages to hear about the changes.

While out raising awareness, Tudur Owen impressed crowds with his plate-spinning skills.

He said it is important TV viewers know exactly what services the Welsh-language channel will offer when the switchover occurs.

“It’s important that people realise that Wales is going totally digital,” said Tudur. “The old-fashioned aerial TV signal will be switched off and in its place will be a digital only service.

“To continue watching S4C after switchover you will need the right equipment and if you watch S4C digital on Freeview you will need to re-tune your TV on September 9 in order to see the exciting stuff coming up on S4C.”

He added that the circus roadshow had been great fun: “I’ve been training hard and all I can say is that if things don’t go according to plan, I’ll be in big trouble. But it has been a great challenge and I can now spin plates.

“I know people have got a lot on their plates, but switching to digital shouldn’t get you into a spin! Come and see for yourself and learn how you will be able to watch S4C after digital switchover.”

S4C is working closely with Digital UK, the independent body responsible for switchover, to advise households on what they must do to avoid losing reception.

As part of this, viewers in Wales using Freeview equipment must re-tune them on September 9 and then re-tune again when their local transmitter switches to digital in order to continue to receive S4C.

An on-screen campaign featuring the stars and their circus tricks will be broadcast on S4C from July 20.

Tim Hartley, Head of Corporate Affairs at S4C emphasised that the channel was ready for the changes ahead.

He said: “Digital switchover is being introduced gradually from region to region, between August this year and March next year. We’re working closely with Digital UK who are leading the overall campaign to inform the viewing public about the changes.”

For more information about S4C digital switchover go to the websites: www.s4c.co.uk/digital or www.s4c.co.uk/digidol

All change

NORTH Wales’ analogue TV signal will be switched off in October 2009 and the big switch over will begin.

The Llanddona transmitter, in north west Wales, will be switched over first on October 21.

The Moel-Y-Parc transmitter on the Clwydian range will then follow on October 28.

And the Long Mountain transmitter near Welshpool will be switched over on November 5 2009.

The analogue signal will have to be switched off to enable the digital signal to be boosted.

After this, 97.8% of people in Wales will be able to get the digital signal.

If you have Sky TV or a digital Freeview box you will not be affected by the change, though you may have to retune S4C on September 9.

Gwenllian Carr, Digital UK’s National Manager for Wales, said: “I urge people who are unsure about the switchover to visit www.digitaluk.co.uk where a very simple tool called the postcode checker tells you the exact date the area you live will switch over.

“All you need to do is type your postcode into the checker.”

Analogue services will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group. At stage one, BBC Two will cease broadcasting in analogue and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available from relay transmitters.

For information call the Digital UK helpline on 0845 650 50 50. A Welsh language helpline is available on 0845 848 48 48.